Alien life as we have imagined it over the years

By By JAKE ELLISON

on March 3, 2013 5:03 PM

Photo: CSA_Images/Multiple

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Now for photos of alien life as we have imagined it over the years

Capt. Kirk vs. the silicon-based lifeform known as the Horta. One of the more innovative images of alien life … since at the very least it isn’t bipedal like many of the aliens we are prone to envision. less

Now for photos of alien life as we have imagined it over the years

Capt. Kirk vs. the silicon-based lifeform known as the Horta. One of the more innovative images of alien life … since at the very least it ... more

Now for photos of alien life as we have imagined it over the years... Photo-4277255.57768 - seattlepi.com

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Martian meteorite Alh84001. "Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its strange features just the product of some unique geochemistry? After almost 20 years, dueling papers are still coming out, and the opposing parties are no closer to a resolution," reports Astrobiology magazine. less

Martian meteorite Alh84001. "Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its strange features just the product of some unique geochemistry? After almost 20 years, dueling papers are still coming out, and ... more

Scientists at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tx., said in 2001 that a crystallized magnetic mineral, called magnetite, found in a Martian meteorite is similar to crystals formed on Earth by bacteria. "I am convinced that this is supporting evidence for the presence of ancient life on Mars," said Kathie Thomas-Keprta, an astrobiologist at the Space Center.

Upper figure: Modern magnetotactic bacteria, one showing a chain of magnetite crystals, as seen in the backscattered scanning electron microscope.
Lower figure: Magnetite crystals and chains of magnetite crystals in the Martian meteorite Alh84001. One conspicuous chain indicated by arrows. (Photo By Getty Images/Getty Images) less

Scientists at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tx., said in 2001 that a crystallized magnetic mineral, called magnetite, found in a Martian meteorite is similar to crystals formed on Earth by bacteria. "I ... more

1954: An alien mutant on the planet Metaluna, one of the stars of the sci-fi movie 'This Island Earth', directed by Joseph M Newman. (Photo by John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

1954: An alien mutant on the planet Metaluna, one of the stars of the sci-fi movie 'This Island Earth', directed by Joseph M Newman. (Photo by John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

Photo: John Kobal Foundation, Multiple

1954: An alien mutant on the planet Metaluna, one of the stars of... Photo-4276400.57768 - seattlepi.com

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17th August 1955: Nine year old Ruth Pridmore and five year old Jennifer Gabe on their way to take part in Uncle Bertie's fancy dress competition in Eastbourne, dressed as a martian and a nurse respectively. (Photo by George W. Hales/Fox Photos/Getty Images) less

17th August 1955: Nine year old Ruth Pridmore and five year old Jennifer Gabe on their way to take part in Uncle Bertie's fancy dress competition in Eastbourne, dressed as a martian and a nurse respectively. ... more

Photo: George W. Hales, Multiple

17th August 1955: Nine year old Ruth Pridmore and five year old... Photo-4276401.57768 - seattlepi.com

1967: American actors Leonard Nimoy and Jane Wyatt pose in costume in a promotional portrait for the television series, 'Star Trek,' for an episode entitled 'Journey to Babel'. Wyatt played the human mother of Nimoy's character, Spock. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) less

1967: American actors Leonard Nimoy and Jane Wyatt pose in costume in a promotional portrait for the television series, 'Star Trek,' for an episode entitled 'Journey to Babel'. Wyatt played the human mother of ... more

A model of the creature from the Alien film series is seen during a photocall at the Science Museum on October 13, 2005 in London. The exhibition entitled "The Science Of Aliens" is the start of a series of travelling displays by the museum. (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images) less

A model of the creature from the Alien film series is seen during a photocall at the Science Museum on October 13, 2005 in London. The exhibition entitled "The Science Of Aliens" is the start of a series of ... more

Photo: Bruno Vincent, Multiple

A model of the creature from the Alien film series is seen during a... Photo-4276388.57768 - seattlepi.com

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The M-113 Creature attacks Captain James T. Kirk, played by Canadian actor William Shatner, in a scene from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. The monster is alternately known as the Salt Creature or the Salt Vampire. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) less

The M-113 Creature attacks Captain James T. Kirk, played by Canadian actor William Shatner, in a scene from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. The monster is ... more

The Salt Creature from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. The shape-shifting creature, which sucks the salt from its victims, has just been killed. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) less

The Salt Creature from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. The shape-shifting creature, which sucks the salt from its victims, has just been killed. (Photo by ... more

Extras portraying alien creatures on the hit TV show Star Trek-The Next Generation pose during a break in filming on the Hollywood, California, Paramount Studios set. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Extras portraying alien creatures on the hit TV show Star Trek-The Next Generation pose during a break in filming on the Hollywood, California, Paramount Studios set. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Nancy Crater, played by American actress Jeanne Bal (1928 - 1966), feels the face of Captain James T. Kirk, played by Canadian actor William Shatner in a scene from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) less

Nancy Crater, played by American actress Jeanne Bal (1928 - 1966), feels the face of Captain James T. Kirk, played by Canadian actor William Shatner in a scene from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star ... more

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting break). The misfit alien was sent to study Earthlings by his fellow Orkans. Landing in a giant eggshell, near Boulder, Colorado, he was befriended by Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber), who helped him adjust to Earth's strange ways., (Photo by Jim Britt/ABC via Getty Images) less

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting ... more

Photo: JIM BRITT, Multiple

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so... Photo-4276375.57768 - seattlepi.com

Yvonne Craig, US actress, in costume and make-up, gesturing with her hands, in a publicity portrait issued for the US television series, 'Star Trek', USA, 1969. The episode entitled 'Whom Gods Destroy', starred Craig as 'Orion Marta'. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images) less

Yvonne Craig, US actress, in costume and make-up, gesturing with her hands, in a publicity portrait issued for the US television series, 'Star Trek', USA, 1969. The episode entitled 'Whom Gods Destroy', starred ... more

An alien world with earth-like structures. Photo-4276371.57768 - seattlepi.com

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Seen here from left, Mark Lenard as Romulan Commander and John Warburton as The Centurion (a Romulan) in the STAR TREK episode, "Balance of Terror." Original airdate, December 15, 1966, season 1, episode 14. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) less

Seen here from left, Mark Lenard as Romulan Commander and John Warburton as The Centurion (a Romulan) in the STAR TREK episode, "Balance of Terror." Original airdate, December 15, 1966, season 1, episode 14. ... more